Back to photos (lighting in particular)

boz

OK, I purchased the set up recommended by K6AZ. (Very nice recommendation by the way). This definitely improves my photos, but I still am having trouble with color, on Morgans specifically. They don't seem to come out looking exactly like the coin. Now admittedly, I am a perfectionist, and am looking for some suggestions from the more experienced. I am not having trouble with tinting, oranges blues etc. Just want the photos to look like the actual coins. I've also tried the paper over the lights to subdue them, but just can't get the real colors. My untoned ones come out fine. Currently using 60w incandescent bulbs.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

jom

In what way is the coin NOT represented correctly? Several of us have discussed this recently when I had trouble with the "tint". If you are using Incandecent then your light is probably a low color temp (< 4000 K ???). In the past, I've had problems with Incan's because they seem to wash out the color but they do show luster well. Reveal bulbs from GE are ok but they are still on the low side of color temp (< 4500 K). I get a red "tint" when using them. I then tried SUN light, which has the natural color temp of around 5300 K. This was MUCH better.

So what is the solution? You need the color temp to be as close to 5300k as possible. How to do this:

1) Use non-direct Sun light
2) If you have a digital camera, use Incan or Reveal BUT you must have White Balance. If so, use the camera in Manual mode....see your camera's instuctions
3) Get an OTT bulb. I just ordered one so I haven't tried it yet but it has a natural color temp of around 5300 K. I've been told it shows luster well also.

jom

EDIT: Also note that scanners do a good job of getting the color correctly...sometimes (I've had problems with gold coins). But scanners use Flurecent (sp?) light which washes out the luster! OTT bulbs are a form of flurecent light appearently but I've been told they show luster well. We'll see....

boz

Jom,
Thanks for the answer. Color tints are not the problem. The photos just don't seem to capture the toning colors of the coin accurately. I am using a Minolta Dimage 7, so I will try manual adjustments. I will try the reveal bulbs, as I can find them. But am unable to locate the ott lights.

DanC

All cameras are a bit different, but I had good luck with a combination of lights with colored coins. The GE Reveals are great for capturing the deep mirrors and frost of a proof coin, but lack in the red spectrum for bringing out the true colors of a toner.

After much messing around (ALOT) with the settings, I settled on using 2 Reveals, and one Soft-White. For my setup, and my camera - it made a vast difference. Your mileage may vary... but if it saves some time and aggravation, you're welcome to take advantage of my experimentation time.

boz

That's a good idea. Never thought of trying a combination. I'll give that a shot.

DanC

I'm betting you'll find what you're looking for.

For reference, the combination that (for me) worked the best was:

1 60-watt Reveal up high angled in nearly straight down
1 40-watt Reveal Low and Oblique
1 60-watt Soft-White Mid height, and something like about 40 degrees of angle.

If you find a better combo... please - let me know! Always looking for ways to improve.

jom

<< <i>but lack in the red spectrum for bringing out the true colors of a toner. >>



Odd. It seems to me the spectrum of a Reveal is lower (ie Red) than, say, natural light. It's just that they are not as low as Incan's are. Then again, maybe I'm still confused on the color temp issue....I must have forgotten what I learned in physics. lol



<< <i>But am unable to locate the ott lights. >>



I couldn't find them locally either. Just do a search at Yahoo or whatever. Try to find the "swirl" bulbs because they have the normal screw-type connector used on most every day lamps. The one I ordered was 20 watts I think. Some OTT's have a weird connector that are used with special lamps. OTT's are expensive however...about $25 a peice! ouch!

jom

DanC

jom,

Perhaps I've missed the correct application of the principles... but was referring more to the results (at least with my camera).

The Otts work pretty well - but at their price, don't compare to the Reveals IMHO... the spectrum is (nearly) identical, and a fraction of the price.

The other nice part is the ability to use REALLY CHEAP light fixtures.

I'd like to experiment with some colored lights to see if that helps any, but haven't messed with it just yet. Russ, on the other hand -- has gotten great results with Reveals alone on colored coins. His camera and mine are identical, but I've found that there are significant differences in the two individual units, and our results.

Could be too... I'm just a lousy photographer.

jom

You definately have a good case as far as cost goes. I did some photos last week and got "red" results (as compared to sunlight) on the Reveal which at the time confused me. Now, I think, I "get it". I ordered the OTT on Shylock's suggestion so it should work out. Problem is I may need more than ONE! Yikes!

Also, I learned from another collector at the recent Long Beach show that you can also have a set up where:

1) Place camera above coin
2) Place a light to the side
3) Place a piece of glass between coin and camera at an angle
4) Direct light into glass and this will both filter and direct some of the light onto the coin.
5) Shoot picture thru glass from the top

You can use a printed circuit board holder to hold the glass at the angle. You'll also probably need a thin piece of glass and a light you can direct better than a normal lamp.

Anyway, this is supposed to give GREAT pictures. But seems a bit over the top. If you are so inclined it might be worth it for certain coins. Each type of coin can quite a bit different....

jom